Today on The Gist, reporter Challen Stephens explains how an investigative journalism initiativehas brought new attention to horrible prison conditions in Alabama. Then, we learn about the top-secret mission of one of NYC’s first Italian heroes, NYPD Lt. Joe Petrosino. Mike Dash, author of The Fist Family, explains how new clues have emerged in this unsolved murder. For the Spiel, how the mundane often undoes technology.

March 3 2015 1:39 PMThe “Most Pleasurable Portrayal of Libertarianism“ Bonus SegmentDavid, Emily, and John discuss what Parks and Recreation got right about government.Emily Bazelon, David Plotz, and John Dickerson